-Daniel Meadows
-reflection upon John 15:5-16:33
Generally speaking, when I think of peace I think of circumstances. If I want peace, I need to fix things in my life. I need to address conflicts; I must plan for the future. But I will always find something to worry about. I will never find myself in a situation entirely free of stress, drama, pain, fear, or failure. True peace comes from embracing what is, not from ceaseless striving to change everything around me to make my life more safe, secure, comfortable.
Peace does not come from external circumstances, and Christ did all of us a service by making that clear. But he does tell us he will be with us. The reality is this: We are fully dependent on God, and there are only two options in this life. Both involve pain. But the reality is also this: Jesus rose from the dead. He conquered death. His pruning produces life.
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"There is a state of perfect peace with God to be attained under imperfect obedience." -John Owen
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"Grant Us Your Peace"
--Augustine of Hippo
grant us your peace; already, indeed,
you have made us rich in all things!
Give us that peace of being at rest,
that Sabbath peace,
the peace which knows no end.
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